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Heroes Among Us: Magruder Staff Honored by Fire & Rescue After Emergency

Posted On May 20, 2025
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For National EMS Week, the staff of Colonel Zadok Magruder High School was honored by Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) for saving the life of paraeducator and assistant football coach Soneka (Peter) Nankhuni, who experienced cardiac arrest following a student-staff basketball game.

“We followed our protocols. Our team did exactly what they were trained to do, and they did it with precision and courage,” said Principal Christopher Ascienzo.

Several key individuals were recognized for their exceptional efforts that day, including paraeducator and football coach Aaron McFarland; Kenneth Nelson, security team leader; Deputy Jose Ventura, community engagement officer; Michelle Burgess, school community engagement officer; and Samantha Paizs, athletic trainer.

Montgomery County Fire Chief Corey Smedley also attended the recognition ceremony and emphasized the importance of training and community partnerships.

 

 

“It’s not often that we, as fire and rescue, are on the scene when an emergency begins. That’s why we rely on trained community members,” Smedley explained. “The better we train together, the more lives we can save.”

CPR, especially if performed immediately, could double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival, according to the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.

Chief Smedley emphasized the importance of CPR training already being incorporated into schools, helping to create a more prepared and responsive community.

You can learn CPR in just 10 minutes for free with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services and MCPS athletic trainers on Saturday, June 14, at Montgomery Blair High School from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Register here.